Overland Utility

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Review

2002
Jeep
Grand Cherokee Review

Good features, performance, and looks but a poor reliability record.

Reviewed by Automotive on
9/11/2002

Overview

The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to impress drivers who like off-roading, but also need a reliable vehicle on the pavement. Adequate in both areas, the Grand Cherokee represents one of the most popular SUVs on the market. For the 2002 model year, the options and upgrades increase its popularity. Coming in four trim levels with fantastic standard equipment, the Grand Cherokee allows shoppers to choose the best version for personal needs.

Trim levels include the Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Sport. The latter two trims provide new additions to the lineup. The Sport and Overland debut for the 2002 model year. A new engine also makes an initial appearance this year, the 4.7-liter V-8 higher-output version.

The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides an all-around excellent purchase for multiple types of performance and remains a top choice in the segment.

What's New

The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets more power from its V-8 engine and receives two new models, the Sport and Overland. In addition, new important convenience and safety options include side airbags, automatic wipers, adjustable pedals, and a tire-pressure monitor.

Exterior

The exterior of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee features the hallmark upright grille. The SUV measures 181.5 inches in length and sits on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. It stands 69.4 inches tall with a width of 77.3 inches. Various exterior features include skid plates, a rear defogger, intermittent wipers, a roof rack, a rear wiper, cargo tie-downs, all-season tires, and rear liftgate door. The Sport and Laredo use 16-inch steel wheels, and the Limited and Overland models have alloy 17-inch wheels.

Interior

The Limited and Laredo seat five passengers. The Limited, the Overland, and the Sport feature leather interior as standard equipment, which comes as an optional choice on the Laredo.

The Overland adds a leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel that has controls for cruise and audio. All models have a six-speaker single-CD stereo system, and the upper levels have Infinity speakers and stereo. The cargo capacity with the seats folded totals 72 cubic feet.

Performance & Handling

The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a four-liter six-cylinder that produces 195 horsepower with 230 lb-ft of torque. The base engine mates with an automatic four-speed transmission. Options include a 4.7-liter V-8, producing 230 hp and pairing with a five-speed automatic. The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with either four-wheel or rear drive, depending on model. The two-speed transfer case comes with the Selec-Trac 4WD system or Quadra-Trac on-demand system. The optional four-wheel-drive Quadra-Drive system has good reaction time. Going offroad and rock climbing proves easy with this luxury SUV because it is a Jeep, after all. Jeeps perform equally well in the asphalt jungle. Other SUVs can’t live up to that fact. The towing capacity when properly equipped reaches 5000 pounds, and the payload capacity totals 1100 pounds. All Grand Cherokees have an 8.3-inch ground clearance.